Buckle



P. W. WHITE BUCKLE Filed June 4, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet l P. W. WHITE Aug.15, 1939.

BUCKLE Patented Aug. 15, 1939 UNETED STATES PATENT OFFIQE BUCKLE.

of Delaware Application June 4, 1937, Serial No. 146,346

11 Claims.

This invention relates to a buckle and has special reference to a buckleadapted to be adjustably associated with straps, bands and the like forthe support of garments or other objects on the person.

More particularly this invention relates to a slide buckle formed ofsheet metal constituting a frame having side bars and spaced cross barsconnecting the side bars, and a centrally disposed divided cross barsecured to the side bars between the spaced cross bars, the dividedcross bar being provided with a gripping portion on one or both sidesthereof that subtends in close proximity a portion of an adjacent crossbar to form a slot or slots through which a strap, band or the like isthreaded and gripped. It is preferable to provide one of the outer crossbars with an outwardly extending loop for receiving a button or ringattached to the bib of an overall or the like to be supported.

It is contemplated by the present invention to adopt this constructionfor use with various types of objects particularly on a person. However,in the drawings and in the following description the buckle will beshown and described in connection with a shoulder strap of an overall,the strap being threaded through the upper slot and passing downwardlythrough the lower slot with the free end pointing downwardly or as analternative being secured to the central cross bar. It is readilyapparent, of course, that various other uses could be mentioned inconnection with buckles and fasteners generally of thetype adapted to bead justably associated with straps and that this invention, therefore,is not to be limited to the specific use herein described andillustrated.

In a buckle of the above noted type it is highly desirable to providefor the utmost simplicity in the threading of the strap through thebuckle, and to provide an ease in the adjustment of the strap throughthe buckle when in use on the wearer. In the present invention, thearrangement and nature of the two slots and the flexibility of thegripping means when the buckle is formed of a single piece or when thecentral cross bar is pivotally secured to the buckle frame, cooperate toaccomplish the above desired results. Further, the construction andarrangement of the elements of the buckle are such as to minimize theweight and expense from a standpoint of material used. The compactnessof the buckle necessitates only a measurement and weight such as willprovide a material savings in plating, packing, freight, storage andhandling cost in comparison with present commercially exploited stampedbuckles of the same type or for use on the same size strap.

The central cross bar is preferably divided midway the length thereofand is either resiliently connected to the side bars or pivotallyconnected 5 thereto which permits of easy threading and a very positivegrip on the strap by reason of the long eifective length of thesupporting arms which in some instances are shown as being tortuous intheir length and yield mainly in torsion. In 10 threading the bar thethumb may be used to press against the central cross bar midway of thelength thereof in a direction outwardly of the buckle frame whereby theupper and lower slots are widened to a desiredextent for the insertion15 of the strap. As a matter of fact, the extent to which the dividedcross bar may be moved outwardly of the plane of the buckle is onlylimited by the resiliency of the material since it is not desired topass the point of maximum resiliency to effect a set of the dividedcross bar out of its normal position. Such a condition is not probablesince the usual thumb pressure would not be suflicient to disturb thefibers of the metal.

The upper and lower slots provided by the coop- 25 crating cross barsare defined by oppositely directed portions of the material of the crossbars forming in cross section a truncated V-shape, or in other words,the displaced portions of the material bounding the slots extend in aconverging direction with respect to each other. A strap passing throughboth slots in normal use is operated upon either by the pressure exertedby the strap on the divided cross bar, or by the resiliency, of thespring material of the buckle, or by both, to wedge the strap inposition in the slots and effect a distortion such as will positivelyprevent displacement of the strap out of the buckle. As a matter offact, the greater the tension on the strap the greater is the resistanceto the movement of the strap out of the slots.

In one of the embodiments disclosed in the drawings the tension on thestrap actually efiects a tortuous binding of the strap and in anothermodification the resiliency of the material assists in effecting thisrelation.

By reason of the above characteristics; the present buckle maypreferably be formed of a comparatively thin spring material into whichhas been imparted highly physical properties by thermal heat treatmentafter all stamping and forming operations involved have been performedalthough, of course, it is to be understood that relatively light gaugematerial of any character may be employed as compared with buckles ofthe same character for the same use. In some instances the cross barsdefining the slots are provided with straight edges and depend upon thethreading of the strap in a tortuous manner to effect the necessarygripping action to prevent displacement of the strap. In other forms theedges of the cross bars defining the slots are in themselves undulatedand effect a further distortion of the strap other than the distortionaccompanying the peculiar directional threading of the strap through theslots.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a buckle of thecharacter indicated above in which it is comparatively easy to thread astrap, in which it is relatively easy to adjust the strap after it isthreaded therein and while on a wear er, and which is of a minimumweight and size to be relatively inexpensive to plate, pack, freight andstore.

Another object of this invention is to provide a buckle of the typeabove noted which is formed of a divided central cross bar which may bemoved out of the plane of the frame to provide relatively large strapreceiving slots for purposes of adjustrnent, and which in normalposition of use distort the strap so as to effectively preventdisplacement thereof from and within the buckle.

Other objects and advantages will hereinafter be more particularlypointed out and for a more complete understanding of the characteristicfeatures of this invention, reference may be had to the followingdescription when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in whichlatter- Figure l is a front elevational view of a buckle incorporatingthe features of this invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 2--2 ofFigure 1, showing the central divided cross bar in a position directedoutwardly of the plane of the frame to loosely accommodate a strapthreaded through the slots of the buckle;

Fig. 3 is 'a view similar to Fig. 2, showing the divided cross bar in anormal position of use with the strap grippingly engaged therein;

Fig. 4 isa plan sectional view taken on the line -'l-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a front elevational view of a modified form of buckleconstruction incorporating the features of this invention;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 6-6 ofFig. 5, showing the central divided cross bar in a position directedoutwardly of the plane of the frame to loosely a ccommodate a strapthreaded through the slots of the buckle;

Fig. 'l is a view similar to Fig. 6 showing the divided cross bar in anormal position. of use with the strap grippingly engaged therein;

Fig. 8 is a plan sectional view taken on, the line 88 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 9 is a front elevational View of another modified form of buckleconstruction incorporating the features of this invention;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line l0i0 ofFig. 9 showing the central divided cross bar in a position directedoutwardly of the plane of the frame to loosely accommodate a strapthreaded through the slots of the buckle;

Fig. 11 is a View similar to Fig; :10 showing the divided cross bar in anormal position of use'with the strap grippingly engaged therein;

Fig. 12 is a plan sectional view taken on the line 2-42 of Fig. 9;

confines of the frame.

. bars 22, 23 and 2 1.

Fig. 13 is a front elevational view of a still further modified form ofbuckle construction incorporating the features of this invention;

Fig. 14: is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line i l-l4of Fig. '13 showing the central divided cross bar in a position directedoutwardly of the plane of the frame to loosely accommodate a strapthreaded through the slots of the buckle;

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 14 showing the divided cross bar in anormal position of use with the strap grippingly engaged therein; and

Fig. 16 is a plan sectional view taken on line iii-I6 of Fig. 13.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 4,inclusive thereof, the buckle of this invention comprises a frameprefthe ' erably crowned or'embossedhaving a continuous with the centralcross bar 23 divided, as at23a,

substantially centrally of the length thereof and being resilientlyconnected to the side bars and preferably formed from the materialwithin the The central cross bar 23, together with the upper and lowercross bars 22 and 24, are so arranged as to provide slots 25 and 2%respectively therebetween through which a strap 2? may be threaded andgripped. The width of the divided cross bar 23 is preferably a majorportion of the overall width of the cross The cross bar 23 is ofsufficient width to permit torsional movement about a longitudinal axisthereof so that the slots 25 and 26 may be enlarged independently ofeach other for facilitating the passage of the strap therethrough.

Gripping portions 28 and .29 are formed respectively on the inner sideof the upper cross bar 22 and on the upper side of the divided centralcross bar 23 by directing the material bounding the slot 25 in oppositedirections angularly with respect to the plane of the frame. Thegripping portion thus formed extends over a major portion of the slot 25with the slot preferably having enlarged portions adjacent the side bars20 and 2| to receive the edges of the strap in a relatively looseengagement. Ordinarily the strap 21 is greater in thickness at the sideedges thereof, there being in some instances a double thickness on oneedge'andfour thicknesses on the opposite edge, or in some cases, fourthicknesses on one edge and twice as many on the other edge. By reasonof the variance in the thickness of the strap at opposite edges thereof,it is preferable to grip the strap over an intermediate portion wherethe thickness of the strap is uniform permitting the edges of the strapto have substantial freedom of movement through the slot or at least notenough pressure to affect materially the adjustability of the strapthrough the buckle. However, due to the flexibilityand independence ofthe divided cross bar, the grip-v ping portions thereof will accommodatea nonuniform thickness of the strap although, as above stated, it isdesirable in accommodating the full opposite an opening 3| in a buttonreceiving loo-p 32. The lower cross bar 24 is shaped to define the loop32 for receiving the shank of a button attached to the bib of anoverall, the opening 3| thereof opening into the slot 26 within theframe. The recess 3!] is preferably semi-circular in formation and ofsuch a width as will receive the head of the button as the button isinserted therethrough with the shank thereof extending into the openingof the button loop.

The material of the central and lower cross bars bounding the slot 26 isdirected in opposite directions angularly with respect to the plane ofthe frame to define gripping portions 33 and 34 which are relativelyshort and cooperate with the gripping portions 28 and 29 of the upperslot 25 to prevent displacement of the strap 2'! therebetween whentension is applied to the strap. The angular directions of thecooperative gripping portions 28 and 29 and the other pair ofcooperative gripping portions 33 and 34 when Viewed in cross sectionconverge and form a wedge to effect a distortion of the strap such thateffectively locks the strap upon application of tension on the strap andthe normal tension of the resilient material of the buckle. The free endof the strap is prevented from creeping upwardly by the gripping members33 and 34 which, as above stated, also serve to so distort the strap asto prevent slippage.

It may be desirable to secure the free end of the strap to the buckleand illustrative of one means for accomplishing this is shown in theprovision of lips 35 which are cut and deformed from the material of thecentral cross bar 23, the end of the strap being inserted between thelips 35 and the body portion of the cross bar 23 to be pinchedtherebetween and held securely thereby. The strap should be somewhatloosely secured across the width thereof so as not to interfere with theflexing of the divided cross bar.

In adjusting the strap through the buckle, the divided cross bar may bemoved outwardly beyond the plane of the frame of the buckle with thethumb or forefinger as shown more particularly in Fig. 2, to providesufficient room for sliding movement of the strap, the separation of theslot being such as to substantially clear the width of the strapalthough, of course, actual clearance is not necessary. When the straphas been adjusued to a desired degree the looped free end of the strapmay be pulled downwardly to take up the slack occasioned by theadjustment whereafter the divided cross bar may be released and seek itsnormal position Within the confines of the plane of the frame, as shownin Fig. 3. A tension on the strap 2'! will effect a further wedging ofthe divided cross bar against the frame to evenly compress the materialof the strap which is shown in an exaggerated condition in Fig. 3. Thelower end of the strap is prevented from creeping and the strap is heldin a wedged condition in the buckle frame against slipping.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 5 to 8, inclusive, the buckletherein shown comprises a modified form of construction having a framepreferably embossed with a flange extending around the outer confinesthereof. The buckle is formed of a single piece of sheet metal havingside bars 36 and 31 and cross bars 38, 39 and 40 connecting the sidebars 36 and 3'1. The central cross bar is preferably formed from thematerial within the confines of the frame and is divided as at 39a,substantially centrally of the width thereof.

The central cross bar 39, together with the upper and lower cross bars38 and 40, form slots 4| and 42 respectively through which a strap 43may be threaded and gripped in various adjusted positions. The materialof the cross bars immediately bounding the slot 4| is directed angularlywith respect to the frame in opposite directions to form grippingportions 44 and 45, the gripping portion 45 being in close proximity tothe cross bar 38 and extending over a major portion thereof,--thetermination of the gripping portion at both ends permitting anenlargement of the slot 4i thereat to receive the ordinarily greaterthickness of the edge portions of the strap, the intermediate portion ofthe strap being uniform in thickness and the edge portions usually beingof varying thicknesses relative to each other. As in the previouslydescribed embodiment, the cross bar 39 is preferably of sufficient widthto permit enlarging the slots 4| and 42 independently of each otherthrough torsional movement of the cross bar about a longitudinal axisthereof.

The material of the cross bars 39 and 40 bounding the slot 42 isdirected angularly of the plane of the frame and in opposite directionsto form gripping portions 46 and 41 which, together with the grippingportions 44 and 45 previously described, converge when viewed in crosssection. The converging relation of the gripping portions effects awedglng action when in use and tension is applied to the strap, thegreater the tension th greater being the wedging action.

The lower cross bar 40 is provided with a hookshaped portion 48 fordetachably receiving a ring or other attachment secured to the bib of anoverall. In the particular embodiment shown, the embossing of the frameis flattened as at 49 and a detent 55 extending inwardly into the loopof the hook is provided for the purpose of preventing accidentaldisplacement of the ring or attaching means on the bib of the overall.

In this embodiment the free end of the strap 43 may be readily threadedthrough the slots 4! and 42 of the buckle by exerting a pressure withthe thumb or forefinger centrally of the cross bar 39 and moving thedivided portions thereof outwardly of the plane of the frame of thebuckle to provide a substantial space between the cooperating grippingportions 4445 and 45-41. After the strap is threaded through the slotsin this manner the pressure against the central divided cross bar isreleased and, by reason of the resilience of the preferably springmaterial of the buckle, the cross bar seeks its normal position withinthe confines of the frame, thus clamping the strap between the grippingportions. By reason of the wedging action of the gripping portions, whena tension is had on the strap 43 the gripping normally obtained by theresiliency of the material is augmented and a greater resistance isobtained against slipping.

Another modified form of buckle construction is illustrated in Figs. 9to 12, inclusive, to which reference is now had. The buckle thereinshown comprises a frame preferably embossed having a flange about theouter periphery thereof, the buckle being formed of a single piece ofsheet metal of relatively thin hardened spring material. Side bars 5|and 52 are connected by means of spaced cross bars 53 and 54, therebeing a central divided cross bar 55 formed from the material within theconfines of the frame and integral with the side bars.

' The central cross bar, divided preferably midway of the width thereof,as at 56, is provided on is threaded through the buckle frame in themanthe upper edge thereof with a serrated or toothed edge Conforming toa like edge on the adjacent cross bar 53. These serrated or toothededges form gripping portions 51 and 58 which extend angularly withrespect to the plane of the frame and in opposite directions. The teethare cut in such a manner that the peak of one tooth is taken from thematerial of the hollow between the peaks of the teeth of the oppositecrossbar.

The lower cross bar 54 is formed with a depending loop 59 having anopening 60 communieating with the interior of the frame. The centralcross bar 5,5is provided with a recess 6| opposite the opening 60 of theloop 59 to permit the passage of the head of the button as the shankthereof passes into the opening of the button loop 58. The lower edge ofthe cross bar 55 adjacent the recess 6! is provided with a plurality ofteeth 52 which cooperate with similarly formed teeth 63 on the lowercross bar 54. The teeth 62 and 63 extend angularly with respect to theplane of the loop in opposite directions to cooperate with the grippingportions 51 and 58 to hold the strap against slipping when in apositionof use. The direction of inclination of the gripping portions5'i58 and 62-453 are such as when viewed in cross section they convergeto obtain a wedgelike gripping action on a strap 64 threadedtherethrough.

In this embodiment of the invention the strap ner contemplated withreference to the previously described figures, the divided cross barbeing moved outwardly of the plane of the frame by pressure applied bythe thumb or forefinger to obtain slot openings of sufficient width toreadily accommodate the threading of the strap therethrough, the slotsbeing enlarged independently of each other by torsional movement of thecross bar 55 about the longitudinal axis thereof. After an adjustment toa. desired condition the pressure on the divided cross bar is releasedand the resiliency of the material tends to return the divided cross barto a normal condition within the confines of the buckle, therebypinching or wedging the strap between the gripping portions of thebuckle which wedging action is augmented by any tension which may beapplied to the strap.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 13 to 16,.inclusive, theconstruction therein shown is still a further modification embodying thefeatures of this invention. wherein the buckle frame is substantiallyrectangular in shape and formed of a single piece of material with theframe being reinforced by the provision of a flange about the outerperiphery thereof so as to effect an em.- bossed construction. The framecomprises side bars 65 and 65 connected together by cross bars 6i and68, the side bars 65 and 66 being formed into cylindrical posts, asshown more particularly in Fig. 16, of less diameter over that portionbetween the interior of the crossbars 61 and 68 than the remainingportion of the side bars to form shoulders for the location of pivotallymounted members 69 and H! forming a central divided cross bar. Thepivotally mounted members 53 and 18 are shown as being flat strips ofsheet'metal having looped end portions 12 and is acting as bearings forreceiving the cylindrical ing sufiicient space therebetween toaccommodate a strap in a compressed condition when in use, or in otherwords, the space between adjacent edges of the cross bars is less thanthe thickness of the strap.

The threading of the strap through the buckle frame is very readilyaccomplished, the pivotally mounted members 69 and Ill being moved outof the plane of the frame to provide a substantial clearance between theinner edges of. the cross bars of the frame and the adjacent edges ofthe central cross bar as shown more particularly in Fig. 14. Whentension is applied to the strap H, th pivotally mounted members 69 and10 are moved back into a position closely adjacent to the frame with thetendency being for the pivotally mounted members to pass through thespace between the upper and lower cross bars. This, of course, is notpossible because of the fact that the strap is substantially greater inthickness than the space between the central edges of the cross bar andadjacent edges of the frame so that a pinching or wedging action is hadon the strap to prevent creeping or slipping of the strap. The greaterthe tension on the strap, of course, the greater will be the grippingaction on the strap Of course, if it is desired to adjust one portion ofthe strap while tension is had on another portion, the cross bar 69-18is of sufficient width to permit torsional movement'thereof about itslongitudinal axis to enlarge the openings between adjacent cross bars.

While several embodiments of this invention are herein shown anddescribed, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof maybe apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from thespirit and scope of this invention and, therefore, the same is only tobe limited by the scope of the prior art and the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A buckle constituting a frame having side bars and spaced cross barsconnecting said side bars, and a divided cross bar connected to saidside bars and provided with a gripping portion that normally subtends inclose proximity a major portion of one cross bar to form a. slot throughwhich a strap is threaded and gripped and to form a second slot withanother cross bar for receiving the free end of the strap, said dividedcross bar being movable with respect to the frame to enlarge the slotsindependently of each other for relatively free adjustment of the straptherethrough and being of a width extending over a major portion of theoverall width of said spaced cross bars.

2. A buckle constituting a frame having side bars and spaced cross barsconnecting said side bars, and a divided cross bar resiliently connectedto said side bars and provided with a gripping portion that normallysubtends in close proximity a major portion of one cross bar to form aslot through which a strap is threaded and is automatically gripped andto form a second slot with another. cross bar for receiving the free endof the strap, said divided cross bar being movable against theresiliency of the connection and with respect to the frame to enlargethe slots independently of each other for relatively free adjustment ofthe strap therethrough and being of a width extending over a majorportion of the overall width of said spaced cross bars.

' 3. A buckle formed of a single piece of resilient sheet metalconstituting a frame having side bars and spaced cross bars connectingsaid side bars, and a divided cross bar integrally formed with said sidebars and provided with a gripping portion that normally subtends inclose proximity a major portion of one cross bar to form a slot throughwhich a strap is threaded and is automatically gripped and to form asecond slot with another cross bar for receiving the free end of thestrap, said divided cross bar being movable against the resiliency ofthe material thereof and with respect to the frame to enlarge the slotsindependently of each other for relatively free adjustment of the straptherethrough and being of a width extending over a major portion of thoverall width of said spaced cross bars.

e. A buckle constituting a frame having side bars and a pair of spacedcross bars connecting side bars, and a divided cross bar connected tosaid side bars and provided with a gripping portion extending in onedirection and angularly to the plane of the frame, a cooperatinggripping portion on an adjacent cross bar lying in close proximit andextending in an opposite direction to and substantially parallel withsaid first mentioned gripping portion to form a slot through which astrap is threaded and gripped, said divided cross bar also forminganother slot adjacent the other cross bar for receiving the free end ofthe strap, said divided cross bar being movable with respect to theframe to enlarge the slots for relatively free adjustment of the straptherethrough.

5. A buckle constituting a frame having side bars and spaced cross bars.connecting said side bars, and a divided cross bar connected to saidside bars and provided with an undulated gripping portion that normallysubtends in close proximity a corresponding undulated gripping portionof one cross bar to form a slot through which a strap may be threadedand gripped and to form a second slot with another cross bar forreceiving the free end of the strap, said divided cross bar beingmovable with respect to, the frame to enlarge the slots for relativelyfree adjustment of the strap therethrough.

6. A buckle constituting a frame having side bars and spaced cross barsconnecting said side bars, and a divided cross bar pivotally connectedto said side bars and provided with a gripping portion in normal usecooperating with one cross bar to form a slot through which a strap maybe threaded and to form a second slot with another cross bar forreceiving the free end of the strap, said divided cross bar beingmovable on the piv otal connections thereof to enlarge the slots forrelatively free adjustment of the strap therethrough, a tension appliedto the strap moving said divided cross bar into position such that saidgripping portion cooperates with said adjacent cross bar to grippinglyhold said strap against movement relative to said frame.

7. A buckle constituting a frame which comprises side bars and spacedcross bars connecting said side bars, and a divided cross bar connectedto said side bars and provided with gripping portions on each sidethereof that normally subtend in close proximity the adjacent cross barsto form slots through which a strap is threaded and gripped, saiddivided cross bar being of sufficient width to have torsional movementabout a longitudinal axis thereof and to have movement in a directionoutwardly of the plane of the frame to enlarge said slots independentlyfor relatively free adjustment of the strap therethrough.

8. A buckle constituting a frame which comprises side bars and spacedcross bars connecting said side bars, and a divided cross barresiliently connected to said side bars and provided with grippingportions on each side thereof that normally subtend in close proximitythe adjacent cross bars to form slots through which a strap is threadedand is automatically gripped, said divided cross bar being movableagainst the resiliency of the connection and with respect to the frameand being of sufiicient width to have torsional movement about alongitudinal axis thereof to enlarge said slots independently forrelatively free adjustment of the strap therethrough.

9. A buckle formed of a single piece of resilient sheet metalconstituting a frame which comprises side bars and spaced cross barsconnecting said side bars, and a divided cross bar formed integrallywith said side bars and provided with gripping portions on each sidethereof that normally subtend in close proximity the adjacent crossbarsto form slots through which a strap may be threaded and is automaticallygripped, said divided cross bar being movable against the resiliency ofthe material thereof and with respect to the frame and being ofsuflicient width to. have torsional movement about a longitudinal axisthereof to enlarge said slots independently for relatively freeadjustment of the strap therethrough.

10. A buckle constituting a. frame which comprises side bars and spacedcross bars connecting said side bars, one of said cross bars having anoutwardly formed loop, and a divided cross bar connected to said sidebars and provided with gripping portions on each side thereof thatnormally subtend in close proximity the adjacent cross bars: to formslots through which a strap is threaded and gripped, said divided crossbar being movable with respect to the frame to enlarge said slots forrelatively free adjustment of the strap therethrough and having acut-away portion opposite said outwardly formed loop.

11. A buckle constituting a frame which comprises side bars and spacedcross bars connecting said side bars, a divided cross bar connected tosaid side bars and provided with gripping portions on each side thereofthat normally subtend in close proximity the adjacent cross bars to formslots through which a strap may be threaded and gripped, and means onsaid divided cross bar for holding the free end of said strap, saiddivided cross bar being movable with respect to the frame and being ofsuficient width to have torsional movement about a longitudinal axisthereof to enlarge said slots independently for relatively freeadjustment of the strap therethrough.

PAUL W. WHITE.

